Valley Yarns Belvedere Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Belvedere Knit Hat Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Belvedere is a colorful knit hat pattern designed by Susan Baron that comes in five sizes ranging from extra small (XS) to extra large (XL), with finished circumferences from 17 inches to 24 inches. These hats are suitable for the whole family and are finished with a pompom, making them ideal as holiday gifts. The pattern is presented in five suggested color options, each combining a main color with two coordinating contrast colors.

Techniques Used

The Belvedere is constructed using several key knitting techniques that make it an intermediate-level project. The hat is worked seamlessly in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming. The pattern incorporates stranded colorwork, a technique where multiple yarn colors are carried across the inside of the fabric to create the patterned design. The hat is knit bottom-up, beginning with the ribbed cuff at the lower edge and working upward toward the crown. This construction method allows knitters to try on the hat as they progress and easily adjust the length if needed.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Belvedere is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a V-shaped texture on the right side. The cuff features K1/P1 ribbing (knit one, purl one in alternating stitches), which creates an elastic edge that hugs the head comfortably. The ribbing is worked in multiple colors as the pattern progresses through the cuff section, transitioning between the main color and the two contrast colors. Decreases are used at the crown to shape the hat to a fitted point, and stitch markers help track pattern repeats and decrease placement throughout the round.

Materials and Yarn

The Belvedere is designed to be knit with Valley Yarns Northampton, a 100% wool yarn available in a wide range of colors. Each hat requires one 100-gram skein (247 yards) each of a main color and two contrast colors. An additional skein of the main color may be needed for the pompom on the largest size. The pattern is worked on US 8 (5mm) circular needles for the main fabric and US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles and double-pointed needles for the ribbed cuff. A gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches is achieved in stockinette stitch when knit in the round and blocked. The pattern notes that a larger needle may be needed to achieve the same gauge in the colorwork sections as in the solid color sections, accounting for the slight tension difference that occurs when carrying multiple colors. Additional materials include stitch markers, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and an optional pompom maker for finishing the crown.

Suggested Color Combinations

The pattern provides five pre-coordinated color options using Valley Yarns Northampton shades:

• Option 1: Midnight (main), Garnet (contrast 1), Natural Heather (contrast 2)
• Option 2: Deep Periwinkle (main), Amethyst (contrast 1), White (contrast 2)
• Option 3: Pacific Teal (main), Gold (contrast 1), Garnet (contrast 2)
• Option 4: Dahlia (main), Stratosphere Blue (contrast 1), Gold (contrast 2)
• Option 5: Stratosphere Blue (main), White (contrast 1), Raspberry (contrast 2)

Skill Level and Sizing

The Belvedere is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, appropriate for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to tackle stranded colorwork. The five available sizes—XS (S, M, L, XL)—ensure a proper fit for family members from young children through adults. The pattern is shown in sizes S, M, and XL in the photographs, providing visual reference for how the hat appears at different scales.